The development of mass spectrometry techniques for mapping post-translational modifications in the wheat pathogen Stagonospora nodorum. The fungus Stagonospora nodorum is a significant pathogen of wheat causing in excess of $100 million dollars in yield losses per annum in Australia. This project will develop new analytical methods that can be used to detect important protein modifications in Stagonospora nodorum with the goal of securing Australia's wheat supply.
Molecular characterisation of the Prf bacterial recognition complex of tomato. This project will investigate the composition and function of a large protein complex in tomatoes that controls their ability to resist attack by bacteria. The results will provide understanding to how all plants resist all diseases, and may help to improve environmentally-benign disease resistance in crop species.